Published on Wednesday, February 28, 2007
in the Ft. Myers News-Press

Troopers target aggressive driving statewide

Highway Patrol, announced Tuesday the start of Operation Safe Ride, a statewide traffic enforcement detail targeting aggressive driving and speeding.

Operation Safe Ride will be today and Thursday, Lt. Doug Dodson said in a report.

This effort is part of a long-term traffic safety campaign that focuses on varying traffic themes considered high-priority in the quest to help reduce deaths and injuries on Florida's roadways.

"Most people today consider unsafe driving by others as a major personal threat to themselves and their families. We know that the majority of the factors that contribute to motor vehicle crashes are behavioral in nature," Colonel Knight said in the report.

It is important that motorists take driving seriously, use seatbelts and child restraints, drive less aggressively, obey the posted speed limits and learn to share the road.

"We have asked our 10 troop commanders statewide to dedicate every resource availableto identify and cite, or in some cases, arrest individuals who are placing the motoring public at risk," Knight added.

Troopers will track motorists using radar, Vascar, video cameras and unmarked patrol vehicles.

Troopers piloting seven FHP aircraft will be used during daylight hours to spot violators from the air and then direct troopers on the ground to pull them over and initiate appropriate enforcement action.

During the two-day enforcement detail, troopers will focus their enforcement efforts on every interstate, Florida's Turnpike and other major state roads in Florida where speeding and aggressive driving is prevalent.